- German unions and companies said on Monday that they oppose a European Union ban on Russian gas.
- EU leaders are debating if they want to target Russian oil and gas, after banning coal earlier.
- Germany, however, is heavily dependent on Russian energy imports.
German unions and companies teamed up on Monday to announce they oppose a European Union ban on Russian natural gas imports as EU leaders debate further sanctions on Russia over its unprovoked war in Ukraine.
In a joint statement, the chairmen of Germany's DGB trade union organization and BDA employer's association said a future EU ban would cause job loss and factory shutdowns, the Associated Press reported.
"A rapid gas embargo would lead to loss of production, shutdowns, a further de-industrialization and the long-term loss of work positions in Germany," the joint statement read.
Some Western countries have pulled themselves away from Russian energy imports, and the EU earlier this month said it would ban Russian coal — though it has so far avoided banning natural gas and oil.
Germany, however, is very dependent on Russian energy — especially natural gas.
Meanwhile, the US said it would ban all Russian energy imports, and the UK said it would stop Russian imports by the end of 2022.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
